Demographic Disparities in Financial Literacy Topic of Oregon State Science Pub Talk March 1

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Financial literacy and how an Oregon State University center seeks to reduce disparities among demographic groups on the topic will be the focus of OSU's Science Pub event at 6 p.m. March 1.

The free event, which can be attended in person at the Old World Deli in Corvallis or viewed online, will feature a presentation by Prem Mathew, associate dean for undergraduate student development at Oregon State’s College of Business. The presentation is titled “CAFE. Stop by and have a hot cup of financial well-being.”

Mathew is also an associate professor of finance and director of the Center for Advancing Financial Education, which is housed in the College of Business.

Financial obstacles and demographic disparities

The center is a one-stop financial wellness center supporting the OSU community and people throughout Oregon. The center seeks to provide equitable access to financial education and support services, with services including one-on-one advising around paying for college, basic financial planning and free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

In his talk, Mathew will discuss what it means to be financially literate; financial literacy differences across demographic groups; how these differences lead to sub-optimal financial behavior and practices; and the Center for Advancing Financial Education’s role in reducing these cross-demographic disparities.

The talk will be informed by Oregon’s inaugural Financial Wellness Scorecard, which was released this month by the Oregon State Treasurer’s Office Financial Empowerment Advisory Team, of which Mathew is a member.

Registration is required to attend Science Pub in person or to view it online.

Sponsors of Science Pub include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Old World Deli, Oregon State’s Research Office and Oregon State University.